Trees – hardiness zones compared (USDA, RHS, Canadian & Australian)

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All 347 trees in the catalogue, alphabetical by common name. Each links to a full page with its ratings across the USDA, RHS, Canadian and Australian systems.

Abiu Pouteria caimito – Amazonian tree with yellow fruit and translucent, jelly-like sweet pulp. USDA zones 10–12
Acerola Malpighia emarginata – Subtropical shrub or small tree (Barbados cherry) with bright red, tart fruit very high in vitamin C. USDA zones 9–11
Achacha Garcinia humilis – Tropical South American tree, now grown commercially in warm parts of Australia, with refreshing orange fruit. USDA zones 10–11
Albizia (Silk tree, Mimosa) Albizia julibrissin – Small ornamental tree with feathery foliage and pink powder-puff flowers across the canopy in midsummer. Fast growing but short lived. USDA zones 6–10
Alder — Common Alnus glutinosa – Riparian European tree, one of the few non-leguminous nitrogen fixers thanks to its Frankia root symbiosis. Bark is a traditional astringent for sore throats. USDA zones 3–7
Alder — Italian Alnus cordata – Heart-leaved southern European alder — faster growing and more drought tolerant than common alder, and equally happy on dry urban sites. A useful amenity tree. USDA zones 5–8
Almond Prunus dulcis – Mediterranean fruit tree closely related to peach, grown for the seed inside the inedible hull. Pink-white spring blossom; needs hot dry summer. USDA zones 7–10
Amla (Indian gooseberry) Phyllanthus emblica – Subtropical tree producing small green-yellow fruit with the highest natural vitamin C of any commonly cultivated plant. A central Ayurvedic rasayana (rejuvenative). USDA zones 9–12
Anise myrtle Syzygium anisatum – Subtropical Queensland native with intensely anise-scented leaves rich in anethole. Culinary and digestive medicinal use. USDA zones 9–11
Aniseed myrtle Backhousia anisata – Rare subtropical rainforest tree from northern NSW with strongly aniseed-scented, culinary leaves. USDA zones 10–11
Antarctic beech (Ñire) Nothofagus antarctica – Patagonian deciduous tree with small dark crinkled leaves and good golden autumn colour. Wind-sculpted into picturesque twisted forms at high altitude in southern Argentina and Chile. USDA zones 7–9
Apple — Anna Malus domestica "Anna" – Israeli-bred low-chill apple, one of the few cultivars that fruits reliably in subtropical climates. USDA zones 5–11
Apple — Antonovka Malus domestica "Antonovka" – Russian heritage apple of exceptional cold hardiness. Large yellow-green fruit, primarily culinary; also a common rootstock for cold-climate orchards. USDA zones 2–6
Apple — Bramley's Seedling Malus domestica "Bramley's Seedling" – Definitive UK culinary apple. Large, heavy fruit, sharply acidic, holds shape well when cooked. USDA zones 5–8
Apple — Calville Blanc d'Hiver Malus domestica "Calville Blanc d'Hiver" – French heritage culinary apple dating to the 1500s — irregular ribbed shape, intensely aromatic, the classic apple for tarte aux pommes. USDA zones 5–8
Apple — Cox's Orange Pippin Malus domestica "Cox's Orange Pippin" – UK heritage dessert apple regarded as the flavour benchmark for English apples. Aromatic, complex flesh; demanding to grow. USDA zones 5–8
Apple — Cox's Pomona Malus domestica "Cox's Pomona" – Large UK heritage culinary apple raised by Richard Cox in the 1820s — sister seedling of the famous Cox's Orange Pippin but used for cooking. USDA zones 5–8
Apple — Dabinett Malus domestica "Dabinett" – Traditional bittersweet cider apple from Somerset, England. Late-season, low-acid, high-tannin — an essential blender for English-style ciders. USDA zones 5–8
Apple — Fuji Malus domestica "Fuji" – Japanese-bred late-season dessert apple. Sweet, dense flesh and excellent storage; a strong choice for warmer apple-growing regions. USDA zones 6–9
Apple — Golden Delicious Malus domestica "Golden Delicious" – Mid-season yellow-skinned dessert apple, widely adapted across temperate climates. Reliable pollinator for many other apple varieties. USDA zones 5–8
Apple — Granny Smith Malus domestica "Granny Smith" – Late-season green apple originating in Australia. Tart and crisp, an excellent keeper and cooking apple as well as a popular dessert variety. USDA zones 6–9
Apple — Gravenstein Malus domestica "Gravenstein" – Early-season heritage apple, equally good for fresh eating, cooking, and traditional cider. USDA zones 4–8
Apple — Kingston Black Malus domestica "Kingston Black" – Highly regarded UK bittersweet cider apple, capable of producing a balanced single-variety "vintage" cider — rare among cider apples. USDA zones 5–8
Apple — Monty's Surprise Malus domestica "Monty's Surprise" – New Zealand heritage cultivar with extraordinarily high phytonutrient content — among the most-studied apples for nutritional medicine. USDA zones 6–9
Apple — Orleans Reinette Malus domestica "Orleans Reinette" – French heritage dessert apple from the early 18th century. Flat russeted golden fruit with intensely rich, almost nutty flavour. USDA zones 5–8
Apple — Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) Malus domestica "Cripps Pink" – Australian-bred late-season dessert apple — Lady Williams × Golden Delicious cross. Distinctive pink-blushed yellow skin and dense crunch. USDA zones 6–9
Apple — Roxbury Russet Malus domestica "Roxbury Russet" – Oldest documented American apple variety (Roxbury, Massachusetts, c. 1635). Russeted greenish skin, dense nutty flesh, exceptional keeper. USDA zones 3–7
Apple — Tropic Sweet Malus domestica "Tropic Sweet" – Florida-developed ultra-low-chill apple bred for subtropical climates where conventional apples fail to fruit. USDA zones 8–11
Apple — Yarlington Mill Malus domestica "Yarlington Mill" – West Country English cider apple — soft bittersweet character, mid-season. A reliable workhorse cultivar in commercial cider blends. USDA zones 5–8
Apple (domestic) Malus domestica – Deciduous fruit tree. Most varieties need cross-pollination from another apple cultivar. USDA zones 3–8
Apricot Prunus armeniaca – Small deciduous fruit tree producing soft golden-orange fruit in midsummer. Demanding because of its early flowering. USDA zones 5–9
Apricot — Goldcot Prunus armeniaca "Goldcot" – Cold-hardy Michigan-bred apricot — one of the few cultivars that fruits reliably in zone 4 and short-season climates. USDA zones 4–8
Apricot — Hunter Prunus armeniaca "Hunter" – Australian-bred apricot tolerant of warmer and more humid summers than most apricots. Suited to the New South Wales Hunter Valley region and similar climates. USDA zones 6–9
Apricot — Moorpark Prunus armeniaca "Moorpark" – Heritage UK apricot from the late 1700s — large, deep orange fruit with rich, full-flavoured flesh. The benchmark variety. USDA zones 5–9
Apricot — Tomcot Prunus armeniaca "Tomcot" – Early-season apricot ripening 2–3 weeks before Moorpark. Large orange fruit with red blush. USDA zones 6–9
Apricot — Trevatt Prunus armeniaca "Trevatt" – South Australian heritage apricot — the standard commercial variety in the Riverland for canning, drying, and fresh fruit. USDA zones 7–10
Araza-boi Eugenia stipitata – Amazonian shrub or small tree with large, tart, aromatic yellow fruit used for juice and pulp. USDA zones 10–12
Ashoka tree Saraca asoca – Small Indian rainforest tree with elegant drooping compound leaves and dense rounded clusters of intensely fragrant orange-red flowers that open yellow and age to red over a day or two. USDA zones 10–12
Asian pear — Hosui Pyrus pyrifolia "Hosui" – Bronze-skinned Asian pear with rich, complex flavour and high juice content. The reference variety for Asian pear quality. USDA zones 5–9
Asian pear — Nijisseiki (20th Century) Pyrus pyrifolia "Nijisseiki" – Most widely planted Asian pear cultivar in Japan and Australia. Pale yellow-green skin, crisp aromatic flesh eaten while still firm. USDA zones 5–9
Asian pear (Nashi) Pyrus pyrifolia – Round, crisp, juicy pear eaten fresh while still firm. More fire-blight resistant than European pears. USDA zones 5–9
Australian native mangosteen Atractocarpus fitzalanii – Glossy-leaved Queensland rainforest tree with soft orange edible fruit; unrelated to true mangosteen. USDA zones 10–12
Australian native mulberry Pipturus argenteus – Fast, soft-wooded subtropical shrub or small tree from eastern Australia with soft white edible fruit. USDA zones 10–11
Australian red cedar Toona ciliata – Subtropical to tropical Australian native tree, reaching 35 m, with sweet-scented mahogany-coloured timber that was the most prized cabinetry hardwood of colonial Australia. Now scarce in the wild due to historic over-cutting and tip moth. USDA zones 9–12
Avocado — Bacon Persea americana "Bacon" – Mexican-origin avocado with smooth green skin and lighter, more watery flesh than Hass. Considerably more cold-tolerant. USDA zones 8–11
Avocado — Hass Persea americana "Hass" – The dominant commercial avocado worldwide — pebbly black-purple skin when ripe, dense buttery flesh with a high oil content. USDA zones 9–11
Babaco Vasconcellea × heilbornii – Ecuadorian papaya relative producing large seedless fruit with a strawberry-pineapple flavour. A reliable cool-climate substitute for true papaya. USDA zones 8–11
Bakupari Garcinia brasiliensis – Slow-growing tropical Brazilian tree with orange fruit and sweet-sour white pulp around the seeds. USDA zones 10–12
Banana pitanga Eugenia anthropophaga – Obscure Brazilian cherry relative with elongated yellow-orange fruit. USDA zones 10–11
Banksia Banksia integrifolia – Australian native tree or large shrub with bottlebrush-like flower spikes attractive to nectar feeders. USDA zones 9–11
Banyan Ficus benghalensis – Massive Indian subcontinent fig that drops aerial roots from horizontal branches to form pillar trunks, eventually creating an interconnected grove that can cover hectares from a single original tree. USDA zones 10–12
Bibhitaki Terminalia bellirica – Tropical tree native to South and Southeast Asia. Fruit is a respiratory tonic and the third component of the Ayurvedic triphala formula. USDA zones 10–12
Birch (silver) Betula pendula – Graceful deciduous tree with white peeling bark and fine foliage. USDA zones 2–7
Bird cherry Prunus padus – Small native cherry of damp woodland, flowering in long fragrant white racemes after the leaves are out. Bitter black fruits are quickly stripped by birds. USDA zones 3–7
Black cherry (timber) Prunus serotina – Eastern North American native cherry, reaching 25 m, with rich red-brown heartwood that ages to deep mahogany. The principal North American cabinetry timber after walnut, prized for Shaker and Arts-and-Crafts furniture. USDA zones 3–9
Black locust Robinia pseudoacacia – Fast-growing North American leguminous tree. Wood is one of the most rot-resistant timbers in temperate climates — fence posts last 50+ years. Heavy nitrogen fixer. USDA zones 3–8
Black she-oak Allocasuarina littoralis – Eastern Australian coastal native casuarina. Critical food plant for the glossy black cockatoo, which feeds almost exclusively on its seeds. USDA zones 8–11
Black tupelo (Black gum) Nyssa sylvatica – Eastern North American native tree with glossy leaves that turn brilliant scarlet, orange and yellow in mid-autumn — often considered the single most spectacular native tree for autumn colour. USDA zones 4–9
Black wattle Acacia mearnsii – Fast-growing Australian wattle widely planted as a commercial tannin source. The bark contains the highest commercially viable tannin concentration of any common species (28–40%). USDA zones 8–11
Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon – Large southeastern Australian acacia producing premium dark cabinetry timber. Tolerates more shade than most acacias and supports a wide range of native moths and butterflies. USDA zones 8–11
Blue lilly pilly Syzygium oleosum – Glossy-leaved eastern-Australian rainforest tree or shrub with powdery blue-purple edible berries. USDA zones 9–10
Bolwarra Eupomatia laurina – Rainforest-understorey shrub or small tree from eastern Australia with fragrant, edible fruit. USDA zones 9–10
Boobialla Myoporum insulare – Fast, dense coastal shrub or small tree from southern Australia, widely used for screening and windbreaks. USDA zones 9–10
Boswellia (Frankincense) Boswellia sacra – Small drought-adapted tree of the Arabian Peninsula and Horn of Africa. Resin is the source of frankincense and a powerful anti-inflammatory. USDA zones 10–12
Brazilwood Paubrasilia echinata – Eastern Brazilian native tree with bright red heartwood, historically the most prized source of red textile dye in Europe — and the source of the name of the country Brazil. Now critically endangered in the wild. USDA zones 10–12
Bristly locust Robinia hispida – Suckering eastern North American shrub or small tree with bristly stems and rosy-pink racemes of pea flowers in early summer. Useful for stabilising poor soils. USDA zones 5–8
Broad-leaved paperbark Melaleuca quinquenervia – Medium to tall Australian wetland tree with distinctive thick papery white bark and creamy bottlebrush flower spikes. USDA zones 9–11
Bunya pine Araucaria bidwillii – Massive subtropical Queensland conifer reaching 45 m with a characteristic dome-shaped crown and stiff spiny dark leaves. Bears enormous (10 kg) cones every 3–4 years containing large edible seeds. USDA zones 9–11
Burdekin plum Pleiogynium timorense – Large tropical and subtropical Queensland tree with dark-purple, plum-like fruit. USDA zones 10–12
Calamondin Citrus madurensis – Compact, ornamental citrus with small, very sour orange fruit used for marmalade and cooking. USDA zones 9–11
Canadian serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis – Hardy North American shadbush tolerant of damp ground, with sweet dark pomes. USDA zones 4–8
Canistel Pouteria campechiana – Central American tree with orange fruit whose dense, dry flesh resembles cooked egg yolk or sweet potato. USDA zones 10–11
Carob Ceratonia siliqua – Long-lived Mediterranean tree producing leathery dark pods used as a chocolate substitute and as livestock feed. Drought-tolerant; nitrogen-fixing roots. USDA zones 9–11
Catarina cherry Eugenia catharinensis – Little-known Brazilian Eugenia with small, sweet edible fruit. USDA zones 10–11
Catechu (Cutch) Senegalia catechu – Spiny South and South-East Asian tree, formerly Acacia catechu, providing the dark resinous extract called cutch — a major source of brown dye and tannin, and a traditional ingredient in betel-nut chewing. USDA zones 9–12
Cedar Bay cherry Eugenia reinwardtiana – Compact coastal shrub or small tree from tropical Queensland with sweet, small red cherries. USDA zones 10–12
Chatham Islands tree daisy Olearia traversiorum – New Zealand daisy-family tree from the wind-blasted Chatham Islands, with glossy leathery dark green leaves and exceptional tolerance of salt wind. Among the most effective coastal windbreaks available for mild maritime climates. USDA zones 8–10
Cherry — Compact Stella Prunus avium "Compact Stella" – Naturally dwarf form of Stella, reaching only 2–3 m. Ideal for small gardens, large containers, and patio cultivation. USDA zones 5–8
Cherry — Lapins Prunus avium "Lapins" – Self-fertile sweet cherry with crack-resistant skin — a major advantage in climates with summer rain at harvest time. USDA zones 5–8
Cherry — Montmorency Prunus cerasus "Montmorency" – The benchmark North American sour cherry — the basis of nearly all commercial pie cherries, dried tart cherries, and cherry juice. USDA zones 4–8
Cherry — Morello Prunus cerasus "Morello" – Acid cherry traditionally trained against north-facing walls in walled English gardens. The only cherry that fruits reliably in part shade. USDA zones 3–8
Cherry — Sour (Morello) Prunus cerasus – Smaller, more tolerant cousin of sweet cherry. Tart fruit for cooking, preserving, and liqueurs; a far more reliable garden tree. USDA zones 3–8
Cherry — Stella Prunus avium "Stella" – The first commercially successful self-fertile sweet cherry, bred in British Columbia. Black-red dessert fruit; reliable cropper. USDA zones 5–8
Cherry — Sunburst Prunus avium "Sunburst" – Large dark-red self-fertile sweet cherry — Stella × Van cross from British Columbia. Heavy cropper. USDA zones 5–8
Cherry — Sweet Prunus avium – Tall deciduous tree producing dessert cherries. Demanding — needs winter chill, low humidity at flowering, and protection from birds at harvest. USDA zones 4–8
Cherry of the Rio Grande Eugenia involucrata – Subtropical Brazilian tree with dark red-purple, sweet cherry-like fruit. USDA zones 9–11
Chestnut — Chinese Castanea mollissima – Smaller, more compact chestnut species with high natural resistance to chestnut blight. The standard nut chestnut for North American gardens. USDA zones 4–8
Chestnut — Sweet (European) Castanea sativa – Long-lived large deciduous tree producing edible nuts in spiny husks. Valued for both timber and food across southern Europe. USDA zones 5–9
Chilean firebush Embothrium coccineum – Slender evergreen or semi-deciduous tree of Patagonian Andean forest reaching 10 m, with leathery dark leaves and spectacular fiery scarlet-orange tubular flowers in spring. Among the great Southern Hemisphere ornamental trees. USDA zones 7–9
Chinese bayberry Myrica rubra – Subtropical Chinese tree (yangmei) with juicy, sweet-tart dark red fruit. USDA zones 8–10
Cinnamon myrtle Backhousia myrtifolia – Hardy eastern-Australian rainforest tree or large shrub with spicy, cinnamon-scented foliage. USDA zones 9–10
Cinnamon tree Cinnamomum verum – Tropical evergreen whose dried inner bark is true cinnamon. USDA zones 10–12
Coastal she-oak Casuarina equisetifolia – Tropical and subtropical pioneer she-oak of coastal sands across the Australian, Pacific, and Indian Ocean tropics. Tall, narrow, salt- and wind-tolerant — among the great pioneer beach windbreak species. USDA zones 9–12
Coconut palm Cocos nucifera – Iconic tropical coastal palm reaching 30 m, providing — from a single tree — drinking water, food, edible oil, roofing thatch, leaf weaving, structural timber, and the coir fibre stripped from the husk of the fruit. USDA zones 10–12
Coffee (Red Catuai) Coffea arabica – Glossy evergreen shrub grown for its beans, the roasted seeds of the red coffee "cherries". USDA zones 10–11
Cootamundra wattle Acacia baileyana – Fast-growing southern NSW endemic wattle to 8 m with fine silvery-blue ferny foliage and abundant fragrant golden ball flowers in late winter. Outside its small native range, a notorious invader. USDA zones 8–10
Coral tree (Cockspur) Erythrina crista-galli – Small ornamental South American tree producing vivid red papilionaceous flowers in late summer. National flower of Argentina and Uruguay. USDA zones 8–11
Cordyline Cordyline australis – Palm-like New Zealand evergreen with strappy leaves and a clear trunk that develops over years. USDA zones 8–11
Cork oak Quercus suber – Mediterranean evergreen oak of southern Iberia and North Africa, with deeply furrowed thick corky bark that can be stripped sustainably from the living tree on a 9–12 year cycle. The world source of natural wine-bottle corks. USDA zones 8–10
Cornelian cherry Cornus mas – Very hardy small tree or large shrub with late-winter yellow flowers and tart red fruit. USDA zones 4–8
Cotton rose (Confederate rose) Hibiscus mutabilis – Tall Chinese deciduous shrub or small tree with large maple-like leaves and rosette-double flowers that open white in the morning, age through pink during the day, and close deep red at dusk. USDA zones 7–11
Crab apple ‘Evereste’ Malus ‘Evereste’ – Compact ornamental crab apple with profuse white spring blossom from pink buds and persistent small orange-red fruits that hang on the tree deep into winter. USDA zones 4–8
Crab apple ‘John Downie’ Malus ‘John Downie’ – Small ornamental crab apple with white spring blossom and abundant orange-red conical fruits in autumn. Among the best crab apples for both eating and wildlife. USDA zones 4–8
Crimson bottlebrush Callistemon citrinus – Medium shrub or small tree with narrow lemon-scented leaves and iconic bright red bottlebrush flower spikes that draw honeyeaters and lorikeets in numbers. USDA zones 8–11
Davidson's plum Davidsonia jerseyana – Australian rainforest native producing intensely tart deep-purple fruit borne directly on the trunk and main branches. Exceptional culinary ingredient. USDA zones 9–11
Davidson's plum (Queensland form) Davidsonia pruriens – Tall tropical Queensland Davidson's plum with large leaves and sour deep-purple fruit borne on the trunk. USDA zones 10–12
Davidson's plum (smooth-leaved) Davidsonia johnsonii – Smooth-leaved Davidson's plum from northern NSW and SE Queensland with intensely tart purple fruit. USDA zones 10–11
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii – Towering conifer of western North America reaching 75 m or more, with strong, stiff, structural timber that is the principal framing lumber of North American house construction (sold as "Douglas-fir" or "Oregon pine"). USDA zones 4–6
Downy serviceberry Amelanchier arborea – Hardy North American small tree (juneberry) with sweet purple pomes and good autumn colour. USDA zones 4–9
Drooping she-oak Allocasuarina verticillata – Small to medium southeastern Australian native she-oak with strongly drooping weeping foliage and dark furrowed bark. A tough drought- and frost-tolerant inland windbreak across southern Australia. USDA zones 8–11
Dwarf grumichama (black) Eugenia itaguahiensis – Compact grumichama relative with dark, sweet cherry-like fruit, well suited to containers. USDA zones 10–11
Dwarf jaboticaba (Costada) Plinia phitrantha – A more compact jaboticaba with ribbed dark fruit, well suited to containers. USDA zones 9–11
Dwarf mango Mangifera indica – Compact mango selection bearing sweet, aromatic fruit, suited to large pots and small gardens. USDA zones 10–11
Eastern white pine Pinus strobus – Tall northeastern North American native pine, historically the most important timber tree of eastern North America. Soft, easily worked, straight-grained timber for interior carpentry, mast timber, and panelling. USDA zones 3–8
English elm Ulmus procera – Once a defining tree of the English lowland landscape, devastated by Dutch elm disease from the 1970s onwards. Disease-resistant cultivars now make replanting viable. USDA zones 5–8
English holly Ilex aquifolium – Evergreen tree or shrub with glossy spiny leaves and bright red winter berries. The traditional Christmas holly of the British Isles. USDA zones 5–9
English yew Taxus baccata – Long-lived native evergreen with very dark needle-like foliage and bright red fleshy arils in autumn. Some specimens are among the oldest living things in Britain. USDA zones 6–9
Eucalyptus — Blue gum Eucalyptus globulus – Large fast-growing Australian eucalyptus, widely planted globally. Essential oil from the leaves is a traditional respiratory and decongestant remedy. USDA zones 8–11
Eucalyptus — Lemon-scented Corymbia citriodora – Tall eucalyptus with smooth pale bark and lemon-fragrant leaves. Essential oil is dominated by citronellal — a recognised insect repellent. USDA zones 9–11
European beech Fagus sylvatica – Tall European native tree with smooth grey bark, copper-coloured autumn leaves that persist on young growth all winter, and pale, hard, even-grained timber that is the standard hardwood for furniture, flooring, and bentwood chairs. USDA zones 4–7
European hornbeam Carpinus betulus – Native European tree with characteristic muscle-like fluted trunk, fine-toothed leaves, and the hardest, densest, most shock-resistant native European timber. Long used for tool handles, mill cogs, butcher’s blocks, and parquet. USDA zones 4–8
European larch Larix decidua – Tall deciduous conifer of the European Alps, with bright green spring needles, golden autumn colour, and exceptionally durable rot-resistant heartwood used for external cladding, boat construction, and decking. USDA zones 2–6
Fig Ficus carica – Spreading deciduous tree with hand-shaped leaves and edible fruit twice a year in warm climates. USDA zones 7–10
Fig — Black Genoa Ficus carica "Black Genoa" – Australian backyard favourite — large, sweet, deep-purple figs with strawberry-jam flavour. Heavy cropping. USDA zones 8–10
Fig — Brown Turkey Ficus carica "Brown Turkey" – The most widely planted fig globally — adaptable, self-fertile, reliably cropping. Brown-purple skin and pink flesh. USDA zones 7–10
Fig — Celeste Ficus carica "Celeste" – Among the most cold-hardy figs in cultivation — popular in the southern US. Closed eye on the fruit resists souring and insect entry. USDA zones 6–10
Fig — Osborn's Prolific Ficus carica "Osborn's Prolific" – Australian heritage fig — early-ripening, heavy cropping, with reddish-brown skin and red flesh. Reliable backyard variety. USDA zones 7–10
Fig — Petite Negra Ficus carica "Petite Negra" – Naturally dwarf fig reaching only 2 m. Small dark-purple fruit with bright red flesh; ideal for containers and small gardens. USDA zones 7–11
Fig — White Adriatic Ficus carica "White Adriatic" – Pale green-skinned fig with intensely honey-sweet pink flesh. The traditional drying fig of Italy and California. USDA zones 7–10
Firewood banksia Banksia menziesii – Western Australian small tree to 10 m with rough corky bark, blue-grey toothed leaves, and large acorn-shaped flower spikes in red, orange, pink, or yellow through autumn and winter. USDA zones 9–10
Frangipani Plumeria rubra – Tropical small tree with fragrant waxy flowers and milky sap. Deciduous in cooler subtropical zones. USDA zones 10–12
Full moon maple ‘Aconitifolium’ Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ – Japanese maple cultivar with deeply cut nine- to eleven-lobed leaves like aconite foliage, turning spectacular ruby-red and scarlet in autumn. Distinct from the more widely grown Acer palmatum cultivars. USDA zones 5–8
Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba – Living-fossil tree, the sole survivor of an ancient lineage. Leaves are studied for cognitive and circulatory support; trees are exceptionally tough city plants. USDA zones 3–9
Gippsland waratah Telopea oreades – Tall Gippsland and eastern Victorian endemic waratah forming a slender tree to 10 m, with leathery narrow leaves and dome-shaped scarlet flower heads in spring. Distinct from the Sydney waratah in the database. USDA zones 9–10
Golden wattle Acacia pycnantha – Australia's national floral emblem — a small tree producing dense balls of brilliant yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. USDA zones 8–11
Grapefruit Citrus × paradisi – Large evergreen citrus tree producing pink, red, or white-fleshed fruit. Of all citrus, the most demanding of summer heat to develop sweetness. USDA zones 9–12
Greg's wampee Clausena smyrelliana – Rare south-east Queensland native related to wampee, bearing small edible fruit. USDA zones 10–12
Grevillea Grevillea robusta – Australian native with feathery foliage and curious spider-like flowers. USDA zones 9–11
Grey alder Alnus incana – Hardy pioneer alder of cold and dry sites where common alder will not thrive. Fixes nitrogen via Frankia bacteria and improves poor soils. USDA zones 2–7
Grumichama (orange) Eugenia brasiliensis – Attractive Brazilian tree with sweet, cherry-like fruit; this is the orange-fruited form. USDA zones 10–11
Haritaki Terminalia chebula – Large tropical Asian tree. Astringent fruit is a major Ayurvedic digestive tonic and one of the three components of the classic triphala formula. USDA zones 9–12
Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna – Thorny hedgerow tree with white spring blossom and red autumn haws. Backbone of British and Irish hedgerow ecology — supports hundreds of insect species. USDA zones 4–8
Hazelnut (Cobnut, Filbert) Corylus avellana – Multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree, native to Europe and historically coppiced for poles, hurdles, and nuts. Excellent wildlife habitat. USDA zones 3–9
Himalayan birch (West Himalayan birch) Betula utilis var. jacquemontii – Elegant Himalayan birch with brilliant chalk-white peeling bark and yellow autumn foliage. The white bark is most luminous against winter sky and dark conifer backdrops. USDA zones 4–7
Holm oak (Holly oak) Quercus ilex – Mediterranean evergreen oak with small holly-like leaves, dense rounded canopy, and exceptionally dense durable timber once used for cartwheels, charcoal, and pier piling. Excellent coastal evergreen windbreak. USDA zones 7–10
Honey locust Gleditsia triacanthos – Large North American legume with feathery foliage, sweet edible pods, and dappled shade — popular as a street tree because grass grows beneath it. USDA zones 3–9
Hong Kong orchid tree Bauhinia × blakeana – Sterile hybrid orchid tree with large magenta-purple orchid-like flowers in autumn and winter, on a small tree to 8 m with characteristic bilobed butterfly-leaves. The floral emblem of Hong Kong. USDA zones 9–11
Huon pine Lagarostrobos franklinii – Slow-growing endemic Tasmanian conifer of cool temperate rainforest, with golden-yellow oily timber that is the most rot-resistant of any Australian wood. Some living specimens are over 2,500 years old. USDA zones 8–10
Ilama Annona macroprophyllata – Central American custard-apple relative with sweet, pink- or green-fleshed fruit. USDA zones 10–11
Illawarra flame tree Brachychiton acerifolius – Tall eastern Australian native tree reaching 35 m, deciduous in dry seasons, that drops all its leaves in summer to reveal masses of brilliant scarlet bell flowers covering the bare branches. USDA zones 9–11
Imbe Garcinia livingstonii – African Garcinia with thin-skinned orange fruit; hardier and more drought-tolerant than most of its relatives. USDA zones 10–12
Irish strawberry tree Arbutus unedo – Hardy Mediterranean evergreen with red, strawberry-textured fruit and white autumn flowers. USDA zones 7–10
Jaboticaba Plinia aureana – Classic Brazilian jaboticaba bearing grape-like fruit directly on the trunk and branches. USDA zones 9–11
Jaboticaba (Coronata) Plinia coronata – A jaboticaba species grown for sweet, dark, grape-like fruit borne on the branches. USDA zones 9–11
Jaboticaba (ESALQ Red) Plinia cauliflora – One of the most widely grown jaboticaba species, with large dark-purple fruit on the trunk. USDA zones 9–11
Jaboticaba (Restinga) Plinia restinga – A jaboticaba from Brazilian coastal restinga habitat, with dark grape-like fruit on the branches. USDA zones 9–11
Jaboticaba (Z4 / Rondonia) Plinia sp. – Collector jaboticaba selections not yet formally identified to species, with trunk-borne grape-like fruit. USDA zones 9–11
Japanese larch Larix kaempferi – Fast-growing deciduous conifer of the Japanese mountains, with bluer needles and even more rot-resistant heartwood than European larch. Widely planted across western European upland forestry as a faster-growing alternative. USDA zones 4–7
Japanese maple Acer palmatum – Small graceful deciduous tree with finely cut leaves and brilliant autumn colour. USDA zones 5–9
Japanese maple ‘Osakazuki’ Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ – Acer palmatum cultivar consistently rated by horticulturists as the single most reliable Japanese maple for brilliant scarlet autumn colour. Larger and more vigorous than most palmatum cultivars. USDA zones 5–8
Japanese stewartia Stewartia pseudocamellia – Choice Japanese deciduous tree with camellia-like white flowers in midsummer, brilliant red-orange autumn colour, and striking flaking bark in tan, grey and cinnamon. A four-season tree. USDA zones 5–8
Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata – Tall hardwood eucalypt of southwestern Western Australia, reaching 40 m, with the dense red heartwood that is the iconic timber of WA construction — flooring, joinery, structural beams, and railway sleepers. USDA zones 9–11
Jujube (Chinese date) Ziziphus jujuba – Small thorny deciduous tree producing date-like fruit eaten fresh (apple-sweet) or dried (date-like). Extraordinarily adaptable across climates. USDA zones 6–11
Juniper Juniperus communis – Variable evergreen conifer ranging from prostrate ground cover to small upright tree. Berry-like cones are the signature flavour of gin and a traditional digestive and urinary herb. USDA zones 2–7
Kakadu plum Terminalia ferdinandiana – Small deciduous tree of the tropical Northern Territory. Pale yellow-green fruit carries the highest measured vitamin C of any food source — around 3000 mg per 100 g. USDA zones 9–12
Kapok Ceiba pentandra – Massive buttressed tropical tree producing pods filled with fluffy water-resistant fibre around the seeds. The fibre — kapok — was the standard life-jacket and mattress filling before synthetics. USDA zones 10–12
Karri Eucalyptus diversicolor – Among the tallest hardwoods in the world, reaching 90 m, with smooth shedding bark mottled cream and pink. Pale, strong, dense timber used for structural beams, flooring, and panelling. USDA zones 9–11
Kauri Agathis australis – Giant New Zealand conifer reaching 50 m with a massive cylindrical bole 5+ m in diameter. The cultural and timber icon of northern New Zealand — pale strong straight-grained timber historically used for ships’ masts and spars, now restricted by conservation and disease. USDA zones 9–11
Kentucky coffee tree Gymnocladus dioicus – Long-lived North American legume with bold compound foliage and brilliant yellow autumn colour. Roasted seeds were an early-American coffee substitute. USDA zones 3–8
Kohuhu (Black matipo) Pittosporum tenuifolium – Evergreen New Zealand native tree with small wavy-edged pale green leaves on contrasting black twigs, and small chocolate-scented dark flowers. The standard New Zealand garden hedging plant and a major cut-foliage export crop. USDA zones 8–10
Kowhai Sophora tetraptera – Iconic small New Zealand tree with cascading clusters of bright yellow tubular flowers in early spring — the country's unofficial national flower. USDA zones 8–10
Kurrajong Brachychiton populneus – Tough dryland Australian native tree reaching 15 m with distinctive lobed leaves, cream-pink bell flowers in summer, and prominent dark seed pods. Among the most drought-tolerant Australian trees. USDA zones 8–11
Laburnum (Golden chain) Laburnum anagyroides – Small European tree with spectacular pendulous racemes of yellow flowers in late spring — the famous Laburnum Arch at Bodnant Garden being the iconic example. USDA zones 5–8
Lancewood Pseudopanax crassifolius – New Zealand native evergreen tree with one of the most extreme juvenile-adult foliage transitions in plant biology — long stiff toothed pendant juvenile leaves on a slender single stem, transforming around 15 years to a normally branched tree with short oval leaves. USDA zones 8–10
Lemon Citrus × limon – Evergreen fruit tree producing year-round in warm climates. USDA zones 9–11
Lemon — Eureka Citrus × limon "Eureka" – The standard commercial lemon. Heavy-cropping evergreen tree producing fruit nearly year-round in warm climates. USDA zones 9–11
Lemon — Eureka Variegated Pink Citrus × limon "Variegated Pink" – Striking ornamental-and-edible lemon — green-and-cream variegated foliage and pink-fleshed fruit with green-and-yellow striped skin. USDA zones 9–11
Lemon — Lisbon Citrus × limon "Lisbon" – Thorny vigorous lemon, slightly more cold-tolerant than Eureka. The lemon of choice for hotter and drier inland Australian climates. USDA zones 9–11
Lemon — Meyer Citrus × meyeri – Lemon-mandarin hybrid with a thinner skin and sweeter, less acidic flesh. The most cold-tolerant of the lemons; popular as a backyard tree. USDA zones 8–11
Lemon aspen Acronychia acidula – Tropical Queensland rainforest tree bearing pale, sharply citrus-flavoured fruit used as a bush food. USDA zones 10–12
Lemon drop mangosteen Garcinia intermedia – One of the more adaptable Garcinias, a Central American tree with sweet-tart orange fruit. USDA zones 10–12
Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora – Subtropical Queensland native with the highest natural citral content of any plant. Leaves are both culinary (intensely lemon-scented) and medicinal (antimicrobial). USDA zones 9–11
Lemon-scented tea tree Leptospermum petersonii – Eastern Australian native tea tree with fine narrow leaves that release a strong lemon fragrance when brushed, and small white flowers in spring and summer. The standard commercial lemon-tea-tree-oil species. USDA zones 9–11
Lenga beech Nothofagus pumilio – Major timber and forest-forming tree of southern Patagonia, reaching 25 m, with small toothed leaves that turn brilliant red and orange in autumn. The dominant tree of Tierra del Fuego’s mountain forests. USDA zones 6–9
Leucaena Leucaena leucocephala – Fast-growing tropical legume tree used widely as livestock fodder, firewood, and a nitrogen-fixing nurse plant. Coppices reliably. USDA zones 9–12
Leyland cypress Cupressocyparis leylandii – Fast-growing evergreen conifer hybrid (Monterey cypress × Nootka cypress) widely planted as a screen or windbreak. Capable of 1 m of growth per year in good conditions — both its strength and its principal management problem. USDA zones 6–10
Lilly pilly — Riberry Syzygium luehmannii – Australian native rainforest tree with bright pink new growth and clusters of small tart-sweet pink-red berries — a popular bushfood and excellent screening hedge. USDA zones 9–11
Lime — Makrut (Kaffir) Citrus hystrix – Grown primarily for its fragrant double-lobed leaves, an essential aromatic in Thai, Cambodian, and Indonesian cooking. USDA zones 9–12
Lime — Tahitian (Persian) Citrus × latifolia – The standard commercial lime — large, seedless, juicy, less acidic than the Mexican (Key) lime. USDA zones 9–12
Lime berry Micromelum minutum – Aromatic small tree or shrub from northern Australia with clusters of small orange-red edible berries. USDA zones 10–12
Linden (Lime tree) Tilia cordata – Large long-lived European tree (the British "lime", unrelated to citrus). Flowers are a classic European nervine tea — calming and mildly sleep-promoting. USDA zones 3–8
Liquidambar Liquidambar styraciflua – Large deciduous tree with star-shaped leaves and brilliant autumn colour. USDA zones 5–9
Logwood Haematoxylum campechianum – Small Central American tree with deeply furrowed bark and small yellow flowers. The dark red-purple heartwood produces a wide range of purple and black dyes used historically for ink, cloth, and microscopy stains. USDA zones 10–12
Loquat Eriobotrya japonica – Evergreen tree with leathery dark leaves, fragrant autumn flowers, and orange fruit ripening in late winter — a rare fruit tree in season at that time. USDA zones 8–11
Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia – Subtropical Australian native rainforest tree producing the familiar macadamia nut. Slow to mature but extremely long-lived. USDA zones 9–11
Magnolia (deciduous) Magnolia × soulangeana – Spreading deciduous tree with goblet-shaped pink-and-white flowers in early spring. USDA zones 4–9
Magnolia bark (Houpu) Magnolia officinalis – Chinese medicinal magnolia. Bark is the source of magnolol and honokiol — studied for anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. USDA zones 5–9
Mandarin (Clementine) Citrus reticulata – Easy-peeling dessert citrus. Smaller and slightly more cold-hardy than orange, with a wide range of cultivars. USDA zones 8–11
Manna gum (Ribbon gum) Eucalyptus viminalis – Tall southeastern Australian eucalypt reaching 50 m, with bark that shreds in long ribbons and sweet manna-like sap exudates that solidify on the bark. The principal food tree of the koala across its southern range. USDA zones 7–10
Mediterranean cypress (Italian cypress) Cupressus sempervirens – Slender column-shaped evergreen conifer of the Mediterranean basin, reaching 30 m, with dark green narrow upright form. The defining tree of Tuscan and Provençal landscape and a classic exclamation-point windbreak. USDA zones 7–10
Medlar Mespilus germanica – Small ancient European fruit tree, near-extinct in commerce but still grown by enthusiasts. Picked hard, eaten only after bletting (controlled softening). USDA zones 5–9
Meiwa kumquat Fortunella crassifolia – Compact, hardy citrus with round kumquats eaten whole, skin and all. USDA zones 8–11
Mesquite Prosopis spp. – Drought-adapted southwestern North American shrub or tree. Pods ground into mesquite flour for baking; deep taproot can reach groundwater 50 m+ below the surface. USDA zones 7–11
Midland hawthorn Crataegus laevigata – Native small tree of ancient woodland and old hedgerows, very similar to common hawthorn but more shade-tolerant and slightly earlier flowering. USDA zones 4–8
Monkey puzzle (Pewen) Araucaria araucana – Iconic Patagonian conifer with stiff overlapping scale-like dark green leaves on horizontal whorled branches. Eventually reaches 40 m with characteristic candelabra silhouette. USDA zones 7–9
Monterey cypress Cupressus macrocarpa – Coastal Californian endemic cypress, reaching 25 m, with bright green feathery foliage and exceptional tolerance of salt wind, sea spray, and exposure. The principal coastal windbreak species across the temperate Pacific. USDA zones 7–10
Moringa (Drumstick tree) Moringa oleifera – Fast-growing subtropical tree of remarkable nutritional value — leaves are exceptionally rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Drumstick-like seed pods are a south Indian vegetable. USDA zones 9–12
Mountain mahogany Cercocarpus montanus – Drought-adapted shrub or small tree of the western North American mountains and high deserts. Distinctive feathery seed plumes in autumn are an unusual ornamental feature. USDA zones 4–9
Mountain soursop Annona montana – Tropical lowland tree with tart, soursop-like fruit used mainly for juice. USDA zones 10–12
Mulberry — Black Morus nigra – Slower-growing, smaller cousin of the white mulberry. Culinary superior — deep purple, intensely flavoured fruit. USDA zones 5–9
Mulberry — White Morus alba – Fast-growing deciduous tree with sweet pale fruit and broad heart-shaped leaves. Sole food plant of the silkworm. USDA zones 4–9
Nangapire Eugenia repanda – Obscure South American Eugenia with sweet, cherry-like fruit. USDA zones 10–11
Native frangipani Hymenosporum flavum – Eastern Australian rainforest small tree to 10 m with glossy dark green leaves and clusters of intensely fragrant trumpet flowers that open cream and age to deep gold over a few days. USDA zones 9–11
Native Gympie lime Citrus australis – Australian native round lime with juicy, acidic pulp used like a lime. USDA zones 9–11
Nectarine Prunus persica var. nucipersica – Smooth-skinned variant of peach — same species, sweeter and more aromatic flesh. Slightly more tender than peach. USDA zones 6–9
Nectarine — Arctic Star Prunus persica var. nucipersica "Arctic Star" – White-fleshed low-acid nectarine. Sub-acid sweetness that some find too mild; others rate it the finest backyard nectarine available. USDA zones 6–9
Nectarine — Fantasia Prunus persica var. nucipersica "Fantasia" – Large freestone yellow-fleshed nectarine — the dominant supermarket nectarine globally for many years and still reliable in home orchards. USDA zones 6–9
Neem Azadirachta indica – Large fast-growing Indian tree. Every part is medicinal, and the seed-derived azadirachtin is one of the best-known botanical insecticides. USDA zones 10–12
Ngaio Myoporum laetum – New Zealand native evergreen coastal tree with thick glossy bright green leaves and small white-and-purple star flowers throughout the warm months. The classic NZ coastal hedge and shelter species. USDA zones 9–10
Noni Morinda citrifolia – Tropical Pacific island tree producing pungent, ripe-cheese-scented fruit. Fermented juice is a traditional Polynesian medicinal across many island cultures. USDA zones 10–12
Oak (English) Quercus robur – Long-lived deciduous tree with deep tap root and characteristic acorns. USDA zones 4–8
Olive Olea europaea – Long-lived evergreen tree of Mediterranean origin. Tolerates drought and poor soil. USDA zones 8–11
Olive — Frantoio Olea europaea "Frantoio" – Italian Tuscan oil olive — small fruit, high oil content, intensely peppery green-flavoured oil. The reference variety for premium Italian oils. USDA zones 7–11
Olive — Manzanilla Olea europaea "Manzanilla" – Spanish-origin table olive — the dominant green table olive globally. Crisp flesh, low oil content, ideal for brining. USDA zones 8–11
Olive — Picual Olea europaea "Picual" – Spanish Andalusian oil olive — by some accounts the most widely planted olive cultivar in the world. High yield, robust oil with bitter and pungent notes. USDA zones 7–11
Orange — Blood (Moro) Citrus sinensis "Moro" – Mediterranean-origin orange whose flesh develops a deep red to maroon colour during cold winter nights. USDA zones 8–11
Orange — Navel Citrus sinensis "Navel" – Seedless winter-ripening orange — the dominant fresh-eating orange in many warm-temperate regions. USDA zones 9–11
Orange — Valencia Citrus sinensis "Valencia" – Late-season juice orange — the global standard for orange juice. Holds on the tree for months, allowing extended harvest. USDA zones 9–11
Orange — Washington Navel Citrus sinensis "Washington Navel" – Brazilian-origin seedless winter-ripening orange. The dominant fresh-eating navel variety and the parent of most other navel cultivars. USDA zones 9–11
Orange jessamine Murraya paniculata – Tropical Asian evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy compound leaves and clusters of intensely orange-blossom-fragrant small white flowers in repeated flushes throughout the warm season. USDA zones 9–12
Orchid tree Bauhinia variegata – Subtropical South Asian small tree with distinctive twin-lobed butterfly-shaped leaves and large orchid-like pink, mauve, or white flowers in winter and early spring on near-bare branches. USDA zones 9–11
Ornamental cherry Prunus serrulata – Small spring-flowering deciduous tree; many cultivars from white to deep pink. USDA zones 5–8
Osage orange Maclura pomifera – Tough North American native tree with thorny branches, glossy leaves, and inedible grapefruit-sized green fruits. Heartwood produces a clear yellow dye and the timber is the historic plains windbreak species. USDA zones 4–9
Panama berry Muntingia calabura – Very fast-growing tropical tree with tiny, sweet red berries tasting of cotton candy. USDA zones 10–12
Pandanus (Screw pine) Pandanus tectorius – Distinctive Pacific and Indian Ocean coastal tree with stilt-like prop roots and a crown of long strap-like spiny leaves. The leaves are the principal weaving fibre across the Pacific. USDA zones 10–12
Papaya / Pawpaw (Australian) Carica papaya – Fast-growing tropical short-lived tree producing large pendulous fruit. In Australia, "pawpaw" refers to this plant — quite distinct from the North American Asimina triloba. USDA zones 10–12
Paper mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera – East Asian tree with rough mulberry-like leaves and orange-red fruit, grown for the inner bark, which is processed into the finest traditional Asian and Pacific papers (washi) and into Polynesian tapa barkcloth. USDA zones 6–10
Paperbark maple Acer griseum – Slow-growing Chinese maple with thin papery cinnamon-coloured bark that peels in curled strips and translucent papery sheets, particularly striking when backlit by winter sun. USDA zones 4–8
Pau D'Arco Tabebuia impetiginosa – Large South American tree producing spectacular pink-purple trumpet flowers in spring before leaves emerge. Inner bark contains lapachol — antimicrobial and antifungal. USDA zones 9–12
Pawpaw — North American Asimina triloba – Cold-hardy understorey tree of the eastern North American forests, producing tropical-flavoured fruit reminiscent of banana, mango, and custard apple. USDA zones 4–8
Peach Prunus persica – Short-lived deciduous fruit tree (15–20 years) with showy pink spring blossom and fuzzy summer fruit. Fastest-fruiting of the major orchard trees from planting. USDA zones 5–9
Peach — Anzac Prunus persica "Anzac" – Australian heritage peach — large, white-fleshed, intensely fragrant. The standard backyard peach across mainland southeastern Australia for decades. USDA zones 7–10
Peach — Contender Prunus persica "Contender" – Cold-hardy peach from North Carolina with notably late blossom — significantly reducing crop loss to spring frost. USDA zones 4–8
Peach — Flordaprince Prunus persica "Flordaprince" – Florida-bred ultra-low-chill peach — fruits reliably in subtropical climates where conventional peaches need too much winter cold. USDA zones 8–11
Peach — Reliance Prunus persica "Reliance" – Most cold-hardy peach cultivar in commercial cultivation. Bred in New Hampshire specifically for short-season cold climates. USDA zones 4–8
Pear — Beurre Bosc Pyrus communis "Beurre Bosc" – Late-season russeted pear with dense buttery flesh, well suited to cooking and baking as well as fresh use. USDA zones 5–8
Pear — Beurré Hardy Pyrus communis "Beurré Hardy" – French heritage pear notable for cold-climate hardiness. Large rosy-russeted fruit with slight rosewater character. USDA zones 4–8
Pear — Concorde Pyrus communis "Concorde" – UK-bred Conference × Doyenné du Comice cross combining the reliability of Conference with the eating quality of Comice. USDA zones 5–8
Pear — Conference Pyrus communis "Conference" – The benchmark UK garden pear — long, slim, russet-skinned fruit with sweet juicy flesh. Reliable in cooler maritime climates. USDA zones 5–8
Pear — Doyenné du Comice Pyrus communis "Doyenné du Comice" – French heritage dessert pear regarded as the flavour benchmark for European pears. Demanding but exceptional. USDA zones 5–8
Pear — European Pyrus communis – Long-lived deciduous fruit tree of European origin. Most varieties need cross-pollination and a long, cool autumn to ripen well. USDA zones 4–9
Pear — Josephine de Malines Pyrus communis "Josephine de Malines" – Late-season Belgian heritage pear — small, pink-fleshed, intensely aromatic when ripened off the tree in winter. USDA zones 5–8
Pear — Packham's Triumph Pyrus communis "Packham's Triumph" – Australian-bred green pear, the dominant commercial variety in the Southern Hemisphere. USDA zones 6–9
Pear — Williams Bon Chrétien (Bartlett) Pyrus communis "Williams Bon Chrétien" – The classic dual-purpose pear — eaten fresh, canned, or distilled into Poire Williams brandy. USDA zones 5–8
Pecan Carya illinoinensis – Large North American native nut tree of the hickory family. Eventually a 25+ m specimen — far too big for small gardens. USDA zones 5–9
Père David’s maple (Snake-bark maple) Acer davidii – Chinese maple with smooth green bark vertically striped with white, like the markings of a snake. One of several snake-bark maples — the bark is the dominant winter feature. USDA zones 5–8
Perinha Eugenia pyriformis – Subtropical Brazilian tree (a uvaia relative) with aromatic, pear-shaped orange fruit. USDA zones 9–11
Persian ironwood Parrotia persica – Spreading deciduous tree from the Caspian region with leaves that turn through every shade of yellow, orange, red and purple in autumn over an unusually long period. The bark is also strikingly mottled. USDA zones 4–8
Persimmon — American Diospyros virginiana – North American native, far more cold hardy than Asian persimmon but with smaller, more astringent fruit. USDA zones 4–9
Persimmon — Asian Diospyros kaki – Small deciduous tree with dramatic orange autumn fruit that hangs after leaf-fall. Stunning seasonal display in cool subtropical climates. USDA zones 7–10
Pincushion hakea Hakea laurina – Western Australian shrub or small tree to 6 m with leathery laurel-like leaves and spectacular ball-shaped flower heads of red-and-cream protruding styles, like crimson pincushions, in autumn and winter. USDA zones 9–10
Pine — Scots Pinus sylvestris – Iconic conifer of the European and Asian temperate north, with characteristic orange-red upper bark. Needle and resin essential oils have respiratory and antimicrobial uses. USDA zones 2–7
Pine nut — Stone Pine Pinus pinea – Iconic umbrella-canopied Mediterranean pine producing edible seeds. Drought-tolerant and long-lived; trees take decades to begin coning. USDA zones 7–11
Pistachio Pistacia vera – Long-lived Mediterranean / Central Asian nut tree with extreme tolerance for drought, salt, and heat — and an absolute requirement for cold winters. USDA zones 7–11
Pitanguinha Eugenia mattosii – Obscure Brazilian Eugenia with small, ribbed, pitanga-like fruit. USDA zones 10–11
Plum — Czar Prunus domestica "Czar" – Cold-hardy UK culinary plum. Dark blue-purple fruit, primarily for cooking and preserving rather than fresh eating. USDA zones 4–8
Plum — Damson Prunus insititia – Small, tart, dusky-blue plums almost exclusively used for cooking and preserving. Hardy, tough, and reliable. USDA zones 4–8
Plum — European Prunus domestica – Includes greengages, prunes, and dual-purpose plums. Generally hardier and later-flowering than Japanese types. USDA zones 4–9
Plum — Greengage (Reine Claude) Prunus domestica "Reine Claude Verte" – French heritage plum widely regarded as the finest-flavoured plum cultivated. Small, round, golden-green fruit with intensely sweet honey flavour. USDA zones 5–8
Plum — Japanese Prunus salicina – Large, juicy dessert plums with red, purple, or yellow skin. Lower chill requirement than European plums; more suited to warm climates. USDA zones 5–10
Plum — Mariposa Prunus salicina "Mariposa" – Japanese-type "blood plum" with deep red flesh and crimson skin. Sweet, rich, low chill — popular across southern Australia and California. USDA zones 6–9
Plum — Mirabelle de Nancy Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca "Mirabelle de Nancy" – Small golden plum from Lorraine, France. Almost exclusively used for jam, tart fillings, and the eau de vie that bears its name. USDA zones 4–8
Plum — Santa Rosa Prunus salicina "Santa Rosa" – Japanese-type plum bred by Luther Burbank in California. Crimson skin, amber flesh blushed pink at the stone — a benchmark dessert plum. USDA zones 5–9
Plum — Victoria Prunus domestica "Victoria" – The most widely grown plum in the UK. Reddish-purple dual-purpose fruit — equally good for fresh eating, cooking, and preserving. USDA zones 5–8
Pohutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) Metrosideros excelsa – Iconic New Zealand coastal tree with leathery dark green leaves, silver undersides, and brilliant crimson brush-like flowers at midsummer. USDA zones 9–11
Pomelo Citrus maxima – The largest of all citrus — basketball-sized fruit with thick pith and segments eaten fresh or in salads. Ancestor of grapefruit. USDA zones 9–12
Quandong Santalum acuminatum – Australian semi-arid native producing tart bright-red fruit with a single hard stone. A classic bushfood; pies, jams, and dried fruit. USDA zones 8–11
Quebracho colorado Schinopsis lorentzii – South American tree of the Gran Chaco region with extraordinarily dense, hard, tannin-rich red heartwood — one of the densest woods in the world, hence the name (from "quebrar hacha", to break an axe). USDA zones 9–11
Queensland bottle tree Brachychiton rupestris – Iconic Queensland endemic tree with massive swollen bottle-shaped trunk storing water for dry seasons. Small narrow leaves and inconspicuous cream flowers — the architectural trunk shape is the entire ornamental point. USDA zones 9–11
Quince Cydonia oblonga – Small deciduous tree with woolly golden fruit. Inedible raw; transforms into pink, intensely fragrant preserves and quince paste. USDA zones 5–9
Raffia palm Raphia farinifera – Tropical African palm producing the world’s longest leaves (up to 25 m). The fibre stripped from the leaflet midribs — raffia — is the standard horticultural tying material and a key weaving fibre across West Africa and Madagascar. USDA zones 10–12
Red flowering gum Corymbia ficifolia – Spectacular small Western Australian eucalypt to 10 m with broad rounded crown and massive terminal clusters of brilliant scarlet (or pink, orange, white) flowers in summer. The most widely planted ornamental eucalypt worldwide. USDA zones 9–11
Rice paper plant Tetrapanax papyrifer – Bold Taiwanese small tree with enormous palmate evergreen leaves up to 1 m across and felted brown new growth. The stems are the source of true Chinese rice paper, made from the soft pith. USDA zones 7–11
Rimu Dacrydium cupressinum – Endemic New Zealand conifer with weeping branchlets and exceptional longevity (often 800+ years). Bark and leaves used by Māori in traditional medicine. USDA zones 8–10
River birch ‘Heritage’ Betula nigra ‘Heritage’ – Selected cultivar of North American river birch with strikingly creamy-pink peeling bark and excellent resistance to bronze birch borer — the most reliable birch for warm-climate gardens. USDA zones 4–9
River she-oak Casuarina cunninghamiana – Tall evergreen Australian native of riparian zones. Casuarinas resemble pines but are flowering plants — cone-like fruit, drooping needle-like branchlets that whisper in the wind. USDA zones 8–11
River wattle (Bower wattle) Acacia cognata – Elegant weeping eastern Australian wattle with fine narrow drooping phyllodes ("leaves") and small fluffy pale yellow ball flowers in spring. Compact cultivars (‘Cousin Itt’, ‘Limelight’) are now landscape mainstays. USDA zones 9–10
Rollinia Annona mucosa – Tropical American tree with sweet, creamy fruit often likened to lemon meringue. USDA zones 10–12
Rowan (Mountain ash) Sorbus aucuparia – Small graceful European tree with feathery foliage and brilliant orange-red berries. Berries are exceptionally high in vitamin C and traditionally used in jellies and tonics. USDA zones 3–7
Royal poinciana (Flame tree) Delonix regia – Large tropical tree producing spectacular orange-red flower clusters across the entire canopy in summer. Madagascan origin; widely planted across the tropics. USDA zones 10–12
Russian olive Elaeagnus angustifolia – Silver-leaved Eurasian small tree historically planted as windbreak across the North American Great Plains. Cold and drought hardy, but invasive in much of its introduced range. USDA zones 2–8
Sacred fig (Bodhi tree) Ficus religiosa – Tropical Asian large fig with distinctive heart-shaped leaves ending in extended drip-tips, and small purple-red figs on the branches. The tree under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. USDA zones 10–12
Sandpaper fig Ficus coronata – Small riparian fig from eastern Australia bearing edible purple figs; leaves are rough like sandpaper. USDA zones 9–10
Sapodilla Manilkara zapota – Tropical tree with sweet, brown-sugar-flavoured fruit and a soft, grainy texture. USDA zones 10–12
Sassafras Sassafras albidum – Medium-sized eastern North American tree with mitten-shaped aromatic leaves and spectacular orange-red autumn colour. USDA zones 4–9
Scarlet willow Salix alba var. vitellina ‘Britzensis’ – Selected cultivar of the white willow, with brilliant orange-red young winter stems that glow particularly intensely in low winter sun. Pollarded annually it becomes a winter exclamation point in the landscape. USDA zones 2–8
Sea hibiscus (Vau) Hibiscus tiliaceus – Coastal pantropical small tree with heart-shaped leaves and yellow hibiscus flowers that age through orange to red over a single day. The inner bark is the principal Pacific cordage and rough cloth fibre. USDA zones 10–12
Shagbark hickory Carya ovata – Distinctive eastern North American native tree with characteristic peeling shaggy plate bark and brittle hard timber prized for tool handles, drumsticks, and smoking wood. Edible sweet nuts and excellent autumn colour. USDA zones 4–8
Silver dollar gum Eucalyptus cinerea – Smaller eucalypt with juvenile silver-grey rounded leaves clasping the stem, often kept in juvenile leaf form by hard pruning for the florist trade. Leaves produce a strong range of orange, yellow, and rust dyes. USDA zones 8–11
Silver princess gum Eucalyptus caesia – Small Western Australian weeping eucalypt to 6 m with smooth red bark shedding to reveal pale cream beneath, silvered branchlets, and large pendant pink or red flowers with grey buds in winter and spring. USDA zones 9–10
Silver tree Leucadendron argenteum – Iconic Cape Town endemic tree with leaves covered in dense silver hairs that catch the wind beautifully. Restricted in the wild to the granite slopes of Table Mountain and a few nearby peaks. USDA zones 9–10
Silver wattle Acacia dealbata – Tall fast-growing Australian acacia with feathery silver foliage and intensely fragrant yellow ball flowers — sold in European florists as "mimosa". USDA zones 8–10
Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis – Tall conifer of the Pacific Northwest coastal fog belt, reaching 60 m, with timber that combines high strength-to-weight with exceptional resonance — the principal premium tonewood for acoustic guitar and piano soundboards. USDA zones 6–8
Small-leaved kowhai Sophora microphylla – New Zealand native small tree with very small pinnate leaflets and pendant clusters of large bright yellow pea flowers in late winter and early spring. Among the most striking native NZ flowering trees. USDA zones 8–10
Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum – Slow-growing eastern North American native tree with pendant sprays of small white bell flowers in midsummer and brilliant crimson autumn colour. The dual-season indicator of southern Appalachian forests. USDA zones 5–9
Southern magnolia Magnolia grandiflora – Southeastern North American native evergreen magnolia with large leathery glossy dark green leaves (rusty felted beneath) and enormous fragrant cream-white waxy flowers through summer. USDA zones 6–10
Spindle tree Euonymus europaeus – Native small tree or large shrub with inconspicuous summer flowers and spectacular four-lobed pink fruits that split to reveal vivid orange seeds in autumn. USDA zones 3–7
Staghorn sumac Rhus typhina – Suckering eastern North American small tree with velvety young stems suggesting deer antlers, pinnate leaves turning brilliant orange and scarlet in autumn, and persistent red fuzzy fruit clusters through winter. USDA zones 3–8
Star fruit Averrhoa carambola – Tropical and subtropical tree with crisp, juicy, ribbed yellow fruit that is star-shaped in cross-section. USDA zones 9–11
Star magnolia Magnolia stellata – Slow-growing Japanese magnolia with masses of starry many-petalled fragrant white flowers on bare branches in earliest spring, before the leaves. The compact magnolia for small gardens. USDA zones 4–8
Strawberry guava Psidium cattleianum – Compact Brazilian guava with small red (or yellow), sweet-tart fruit. USDA zones 9–11
Strawberry gum Eucalyptus olida – Northern Tablelands eucalypt whose leaves carry a strong strawberry-and-berry aroma used as a bush-food flavouring. USDA zones 8–10
Sunrise lime Citrus australasica × Citrus japonica – Compact Australian-bred citrus producing small teardrop fruit filled with tangy juice vesicles. USDA zones 9–11
Surinam cherry Eugenia uniflora – Subtropical shrub or small tree with ribbed red-to-dark fruit; also known as Brazilian or pitanga cherry. USDA zones 9–11
Sweet osmanthus Osmanthus fragrans – Evergreen Chinese shrub or small tree with leathery dark green leaves and tiny inconspicuous cream flowers that release one of the most powerful sweet apricot fragrances of any plant in cultivation. Flowers in autumn. USDA zones 7–10
Sweet pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum – Eastern Australian native shrub or small tree with glossy wavy-edged leaves. Bark traditionally used by Aboriginal people; intensely fragrant spring flowers. USDA zones 8–11
Sweetgum ‘Worplesdon’ Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ – Selected cultivar of the North American sweetgum, with deeply cut leaves and unusually reliable orange, red, and purple autumn colour even in cooler maritime climates where the species can be variable. USDA zones 5–9
Sycamore maple Acer pseudoplatanus – Vigorous European maple with five-lobed leaves and pale, hard, fine-grained timber prized for joinery, kitchen utensils, dance floors, and violin backs. Tolerates exposure, salt wind, and pollution exceptionally well. USDA zones 4–7
Tagasaste (Tree lucerne) Chamaecytisus palmensis – Fast-growing Canary Islands shrub or small tree. A staple of Australian permaculture for livestock fodder and rapid nitrogen-fixing in dry regions. USDA zones 8–11
Tall stewartia Stewartia monadelpha – Slim upright Japanese stewartia with smaller flowers than S. pseudocamellia but particularly fine cinnamon-coloured smooth bark, and deep wine-red autumn colour. USDA zones 6–8
Tamarillo (Tree tomato) Solanum betaceum – Fast-growing short-lived (8–10 year) Andean tree producing egg-shaped tart-sweet fruit. Backyard staple in New Zealand. USDA zones 9–11
Tamarisk Tamarix gallica – Mediterranean and western European feathery-leaved tree or large shrub with pink summer flower plumes, exceptional tolerance of salt-laden coastal wind, and a long history of seaside windbreak planting around the Mediterranean basin. USDA zones 6–9
Tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia – Narrow-leaved Australian melaleuca of coastal NSW wallum heath. Steam-distilled essential oil is a widely studied antimicrobial, dominated by terpinen-4-ol. USDA zones 8–11
Teak Tectona grandis – Tall deciduous tropical tree of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, reaching 40 m, with the most weather-, water- and termite-resistant common hardwood timber in the world. The classic boat-deck, marine joinery, and outdoor-furniture timber. USDA zones 10–12
Tibetan cherry Prunus serrula – Small ornamental cherry with polished mahogany-coloured bark that flakes in horizontal bands to reveal coppery new bark beneath. Grown almost entirely for the bark — the small white spring flowers are a minor feature. USDA zones 5–8
Tulip tree (Yellow poplar) Liriodendron tulipifera – Fast-growing tall eastern North American tree with distinctive four-lobed leaves and tulip-shaped greenish-orange flowers high in the canopy. USDA zones 4–9
Ulmo Eucryphia cordifolia – Tall evergreen Chilean Valdivian forest tree reaching 40 m, with leathery dark leaves and abundant fragrant pure-white cup flowers in late summer. The most important honey tree of southern Chile. USDA zones 8–9
Walnut — Black Juglans nigra – North American native walnut with intensely flavoured nut and exceptionally valued cabinet timber. Larger and more allelopathic than English walnut. USDA zones 4–9
Walnut — English / Persian Juglans regia – Large long-lived deciduous tree producing the familiar table walnut. Slow to mature — fruiting trees take 5–10 years from planting. USDA zones 4–9
Wampee Clausena lansium – Subtropical Asian relative of citrus bearing clusters of grape-sized, sweet-tart fruit. USDA zones 9–11
Wax myrtle (Southern bayberry) Morella cerifera – Southeastern US evergreen shrub of coastal areas. Salt-tolerant, fast growing, and wildlife-friendly — a workhorse for southern coastal gardens. USDA zones 6–10
Western red cedar Thuja plicata – Tall conifer of Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest, reaching 65 m, with the principal lightweight rot-resistant timber of the region. Used for weatherboarding, shingles, and the carved cedar of Pacific Northwest First Nations. USDA zones 5–7
Wharangi (Lemonwood) Pittosporum eugenioides – New Zealand native pittosporum with lemon-scented foliage and pale yellow flowers. Traditional Māori medicinal use and an excellent screening or hedge plant. USDA zones 8–10
White cypress pine Callitris columellaris – Slender narrow Australian native conifer with fine grey-green scale foliage, naturally pyramidal habit, and termite-resistant scented timber. A reliable narrow windbreak across inland Australia. USDA zones 8–11
Willow — Pussy (Goat willow) Salix caprea – Smaller willow with silver catkins — the "pussy willow" of late winter. Same medicinal salicin content as white willow, on a more garden-friendly plant. USDA zones 4–8
Willow — White Salix alba – Large riparian European tree. Bark is the natural source of salicin — the precursor compound that led to the synthesis of aspirin. USDA zones 2–8
Winter’s bark Drimys winteri – Evergreen Patagonian small tree with aromatic leathery leaves and clusters of small fragrant cream flowers in spring. The aromatic bark was used historically by sailors as an anti-scurvy treatment by Captain Winter on Drake’s circumnavigation, giving the name. USDA zones 8–10
Witch hazel Hamamelis virginiana – Multi-stemmed understorey shrub or small tree. Bark and leaves are a powerful astringent — the active in commercial witch hazel toner. USDA zones 3–8
Wollemi pine Wollemia nobilis – Living-fossil conifer rediscovered in 1994 in a hidden NSW gorge, the only surviving member of an ancient lineage previously known only from fossils. Unusual bubbly-textured chocolate-brown bark and dark green strap-like foliage. USDA zones 9–10
Wych elm Ulmus glabra – Native upland elm with broader leaves and a more open crown than English elm. More tolerant of Dutch elm disease and the easiest elm to establish in northern gardens. USDA zones 4–7
Yellow box Eucalyptus melliodora – Tall southeastern Australian native eucalypt reaching 30 m with grey-yellow fissured bark on the lower trunk and smooth above, narrow grey-green leaves, and abundant honey-scented cream flowers in spring. USDA zones 8–10
Yellow cedar (Alaska yellow cedar) Callitropsis nootkatensis – Slow-growing Pacific Northwest conifer of high cool coastal forests, with pale yellow heartwood that is unusually durable, even-textured, and dimensionally stable. The classic Pacific Northwest carving wood and quality musical-instrument wood. USDA zones 4–8
Yellow jaboticaba Myrciaria glazioviana – Compact Brazilian relative of jaboticaba with fuzzy, tart-sweet yellow-orange fruit. USDA zones 9–11
Yellow mangosteen Garcinia xanthochymus – Ornamental tropical Asian tree with weeping new growth and bright yellow, very acidic fruit. USDA zones 10–12
Yerba mate Ilex paraguariensis – South American holly relative reaching 8–10 m, with leathery dark green leaves that are dried and brewed as the national beverage of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. USDA zones 9–11
Yunnan camellia Camellia reticulata – Tall Chinese camellia reaching 6 m or more, with leathery dark leaves and enormous flowers up to 18 cm across in rose-pink, red, or white. Among the most spectacular flowers of any camellia. USDA zones 8–10
Yuzu Citrus junos – The most cold-hardy citrus of culinary significance — a Japanese mandarin × Ichang papeda hybrid with intensely fragrant zest used in ponzu and Japanese cuisine. USDA zones 7–10

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